Just wondering how well the MPC-era Geeps run, seems intriguing to buy given the vast road-names they did these in. I believe these have a vertical Pullmor motor mounted inside the truck. Anything to be aware of when buying these?? Thanks!
I have owned a couple in the past with no real problems but I would watch the price as I have seen some close to postwar Geeps and to me I would rather have a postwar over a MPC especially if you get a postwar that has magna-traction. But as stated there okay did me fine when I had them.
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
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I had a lot of them. they run good but you need to learn to service them. Its easy 2 screws takes the brush plate off then you can clean and lube them. Lube both ends of the armature shaft.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
I have a couple, fine runners but the pulling capabilities is nothing compared to the modern locos, especially the Williams locos. I also have the Milwaukee EP-5, super looking loco but with the single motor has a hard time pulling more than 3 or 4 of the Milwaukee baby madisons.
Bill T.
Thanks to all for the information - I'm not necessarily looking for a strong puller, I know these have only tire traction and a single motor.
I thought I had read someplace that the motor-in-truck MPC developed for their GP-20 (for lower hood clearance) and GP7/9 would on occasion bind/stall due to bad mesh between the worm wheel and worm gear. I hope this not true. I really like the Southern GP-7 AA units, which were never made in the Postwar era and were only made in the MPC era with a Pullmor motor (excluding the 1987 can motor version).
seems I remember something about plastic gears but think it was with the can motor not the pul-mor motor
RT wrote: "seems I remember something about plastic gears but think it was with the can motor not the pul-mor motor"
Was nylon type gears. Would "strip" on the shaft. Have "pushed" it over to one side, cleaned of any grease, drop of superglue and "push" back. Let set for a few hours.
Added lead fishing weights to fuel tank and inside. Made then pull a lot better.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
I'll second this comment. At least some of the pullmore type motors that were used in Geeps, Alcos, and switchers have a plastic worm wheel (gear). While I never had the problem, one of my buddies did have the gear break loose from the shaft. ChiefEagel's fix sounds right to me.
IMHO, those motors were a step up from the cheap alco / switcher motors that Lionel was using in the mid to late 1960's.
Sometimes the engines wobble a bit. Once again, IMHO, its no big deal. The tiretraction wheel must have been cast in a multi-piece mold. Sometimes there is a bit of a parting line on the tread of the wheel (under the traction tire). Smooth away the line, and the wobble should go away.
Most folks don't seem to notice or be bothered by this wobble. It doesn't bother me. Nevertheless, I've tried the fix, and it worked for me.
Actually most of the wobble is from the wheels being pressed on off center. If you run the engine real slow at eye level you will see which one it is. The wheels are easy to pull and replace.
sir james I Actually most of the wobble is from the wheels being pressed on off center. If you run the engine real slow at eye level you will see which one it is. The wheels are easy to pull and replace.
How do you get to the wheels? Do you remove the sideframes from the motor plate, remove the truck frame (gearbox / wheel assy) from the motor plate, or by some other means?
Having to remove wheels on unitized diesel trucks is about my least favorite task when repairing trains.
The side frames are soft metal. I grind off the spot holding the side frame. Drill a small starter hole and replace with a screw.
I have two of them, a PRR and a B&M. The gap in front bothered me, too, so one of the first things I did was install postwar pilots on them.
I've often considered getting postwar MagneTraction trucks for them. I'm not sure how daunting the conversion would be. They're very nice-looking locomotives, but seem to have no great collector value (yet, anyway).
The prices on early MPC product have been creeping up. I think that the folks who paid full retail, or purchased at the first round of "collector" prices would be sorely dissappointed. But most of that product could be purchased mail order at steeply discounted prices when released. Many items are selling for much more than those discount prices. Which is not to say they are reaching the prices of quality postwar.For example, I picked up my first 8031 CN geep from a discount house in Manhatten for $25. I see nice ones going between 75 and 125 dollars these days. I think the prices on early MPC are being driven by a number of factors, including collector interest, inflation, and the prices of current production trains. Regardless, I don't view trains as an investment in anything other than pleasure. Nor are they works of art. If someone wants to modify their train, have at it! One of my current favorites is a modified 681, with elephant ears, and numerous modifications to the shell.
A CN 8021(?) geep was the only "other" engine I had growing up. In fact, I still only own 2 diesels! Anyhoo. The only issue I've had with it over the years is that the center gear would pop out from time to time since the nylony plastic didn't hold glue very well. I superglued it a few years ago and haven't had any problems. However I can't run it at the moment due to the placement of a milk platform. Which is a shame since I only recently acquired the matching N5C caboose!
Becky
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
back just befor Christmas I won power and dummy units GP-9 PRR in Brunswick green 8357 and 8356 New in Box. I paid including shipping less than $110.00 for the pair. I have since added coil couplers to the non-power unit and plan to add tmcc and rail sounds and coil couplers to the power unit befor I'm done. I like the set very much.
I got one of those also but I think they were basicly talking MPC era which I think ended in 1986 but heres mine
I am not positive, but I think those 2380 NYC Geeps have postwar style two piece motor truck assemblies, as opposed to the MPC designed one piece motor truck, used on early MPC Geeps, Alco's and switchers. I think the first modern era Geep to use this motor truck was the 8477 NYC Geep. When released, that 8477 was HOT, and the price shot up immediately. The prices on these engines has dropped. This is one of those cases where the engne can be had for less than the original "street price", as most folks did not have an opportunity to buy at a discount, let alone at list price.
The 2380 GP's where made in 1996 I think may have been 1995 any how they were the first engines to have TMCC put in them thery are great engines. I love mine.
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